Well, I hate california smog. Even though my car gets 30+ mpg and passes emissions tests with flying colors, I can't drive it while my neighbor's Hummer drives around legally and drinks gas like an Irishman.
But I'm not here to bitch, I'm here to work the system. Is there an online resource you guys use to help you navigate California smog laws? Like what engines can be approved as legal for a swap, what CARB legal really means, etc. etc.? How do you guys deal with this shit?
I'm about to buy an old mustang to duck smog laws altogether. It's just rediculous that I can't enjoy my hobby, which doesn't hurt anybody, in this state.

 

I have no problem passing with my 17year old car. Work the system? not too many ways to work it, except to find someone who will pass your illegal engine.

 

So your car passes emissions, but you can't drive it? What kind of car? Swaps ARE legal as long as they are done correctly. The engine must be the same year or newer than the car, have all correct USDM smog equipment in working order, pass visual and sniffer test, etc. You can have the car inspected by the california BAR, otherwise known as the smog referree. If it passes, you'll get a nice sticker saying what swap you have and that it is legal. A part being CARB certified means that it is certified to not adversely affect emissions and make the car a polluter. The testing is expensive however, which is why most cheap intake systems don't have carb #'s.

 

like rick said. find someone wiling to pass you and dont be a dumbass and get pulled over and your hood popped.

 

I hear you. :happysad: It's rediculous out here...and it's getting worse by the day.

Now, all cars manufactured after 1975 are now locked into the smog testing system for eternity. Thanks to Assemblywoman Lieber and her bill AB2683, the rolling 30 year smog exemption has been terminated.

The basic legal issues with a swap are:
*The motor must be from the same year or newer than the car it is being installed in.
*All OEM emissions equipment (EGR, Evap Emissions, etc) must be installed and functional.

*A form must be submitted to the DMV which notes the changeover to a non-OEM powerplant, and the State Smog Referree will inspect the vehicle with a fine tooth comb to make damn sure all the emissions equip is functional.

With regards to aftermarket parts:
*If the part doesn't have a CARB E.O. number, it means an automatic fail for the visual inspection for California emissions. The number must be visible - either on the part itself or on a plaque or sticker affixed to the vehicle.

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Link: http://www.dmv.ca.gov
Here's a starting point with the DMV...
Link: http://hybrid2.honda-perf.org/ref99.html
A first-person perspective on the process of certifying a hybrid with the state.
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So, are you ready to leave California yet?
I'm damn near ready myself.

 

I can't beat the system so I will join it. I'm considering becoming a CA Smog Referee. :rick:

 

My swap failed due to the Purge Control Valve not being the same year as the engine and the cold air intake was made for the D16 but I used it on my B16 which isn't allowed, lol.

 

Yes, they look up CARB #'s to make sure you're using the correct application for your motor.

 

Damn, your guy was anal.

Anyways, I've got a friend of a friend who'll be willing to pass it, but it's got a JDM ZC so there is no way a referee will ok it, so I can't get my car legalized. I'm not denying that there are ways around it, but I'm just venting about having to do anything illegal to pursue this hobby. And yes, I'm similarly outraged at the 30-year rule being repealed. I'm moving to Oregon.

And e30dood, if you live in CA, PM whenever you become a ref

How "exempt" are pre-'75 cars? Are there any restrictions at all on their emissions? Do they even need an exhaust system at all? I'm thinking about putting my civic and crx back to stock as dailys and getting some muscle for the weekends. Eh? eh?

 

Hehehe, give me a couple months. Do you have the SOHC or DOHC ZC motor?